Dentists say face coverings could be causing gum disease and tooth decay, with the number of patients presenting with oral health problems exploding since mask wearing mandates began. The owners of One Manhattan Dental in New York City say they have even created the nickname ‘mask mouth’ to deal with the burgeoning number of cases.
‘We’re seeing inflammation in people’s gums that have been healthy forever, and cavities in people who have never had them before,’ Dr. Rob Raimondi told Fox News.
‘About 50 percent of our patients are being impacted by this, [so] we decided to name it “mask mouth” — after “meth mouth”. While some Americans have claimed that mask-wearing exacerbates respiratory issues, less attention has been paid to problems plaguing the teeth and gums.
‘Gum disease — or periodontal disease — will eventually lead to strokes and an increased risk of heart attacks,’ One Manhattan Dental’s Dr. Marc Sclafani states.